Anthropology

Anthropology is
the study of humans and our immediate ancestors. Anthropologists explore human cultural and
biological diversity across time and space. Central to this endeavor is an emphasis upon understanding the whole of
the human condition, attentive to the variety of ways in which culture,
society, biology and the environment influence how humans see and interact with
the world.

Anthropology
includes the sub-disciplines of

Archaeology

Cultural Anthropology

Biological (Physical) Anthropology

Linguistics

A key feature of
the discipline is emphasis upon fieldwork. Whether working on an excavation in Africa, observing primates in the
wild, living with Trobriand Islanders in Melanesia, studying gang behavior in
Los Angeles, assisting an American Indian tribe with cultural preservation, helping
facilitate economic development in an economically depressed community, or
working with a multi-national corporation, anthropologists seek to experience
the world and share what they learn with others. The curriculum is designed to provide
students with an understanding of the basic foundations of anthropology from a
scientific perspective and to apply what it is learned in the classroom to
their own lives and communities.

Anthropologists work
closely with communities to foster culturally sensitive solutions to
contemporary issues. Anthropologists
often support social change efforts that arise through collaborative
partnerships while completing research. Because studying people is dynamic and
can lead to a number of ethical dilemmas anthropologists must adhere to a code of professional ethics. As
a social science, anthropology incorporates both qualitative and quantitative
methods to answer significant questions including: how does culture shape and constrain
us, how does culture assist us in adapting to natural and social environments, where
and when did Homo sapiens originate,
how has our species changed over time, what are we now, and where are we going?

The skills and
scope of knowledge developed in an anthropology program prepares students for
work in a variety of settings. The
demands of a global economy provide anthropologists with careers in both public
and private sector in the U.S. and abroad. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for anthropologists continues
to improve. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of anthropology many teach
across a broad spectrum of disciplines in the humanities, social sciences,
health sciences, physical sciences, and biological sciences both in high school
and higher education. Outside education,
anthropologists work in government agencies (tourism/heritage, cultural
resource management, community development, contract archaeologist, etc.),
private businesses (corporate anthropologist, market researcher, management, visual
anthropologist, etc.), museums (curator, historic preservation projects, etc.),
private research institutes (cultural consultant, social impact assessment,
etc.), and service fields (cultural education, forensics, health, law
enforcement, etc.). Others work as
independent consultants and researchers for the Centers for Disease Control,
UNESCO, the World Health Organization, and the World Bank, among others. Approximately fifty percent of all
anthropologists work outside of education.

Generally, a 2.50
grade point average from a community college will allow students into upper division
anthropology coursework. Completion of courses at NIC results in an associate
degree and meets the general core requirements at all Idaho public
universities. The suggested courses normally fulfill the first half of
baccalaureate requirements in anthropology. While it is not necessary, many
students in anthropology choose to continue their education in a variety of
graduate programs. Therefore, majors
should strive to maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or higher to ensure that
you have the flexibility to continue your studies.

To learn more
about anthropology visit the American Anthropological Association website. To
review program guidelines, complete degree audit, or explore our course
offerings click on the following link. If you are
interested in pursuing anthropology as a major while at North Idaho College, or
have additional questions, contact Brad Codr.

Anthropology faculty at NIC- click on name
below to see faculty information and their class and office schedule: